While Xing Yan was returning from the banks of the Yu River to Mount Luofu, the South Sea Dragon Palace was far from peaceful. In Clear Abyss Palace, where the South Sea Dragon Deity resided, the Third Crown Prince, Meng Zhang, was reporting to his father in person.
"So, during those few days when you were away patrolling the sea, Long Ling was to make that man swallow the Giant Yang Flowers?"
"Yes."
At his father's question, Meng Zhang answered with the utmost respect.
Standing before Meng Zhang was none other than his royal father, the South Sea Dragon Ancestor. Compared with the affable Four Rivers Dragon God, this old dragon of the South Sea was tall and imposing, clad in cloud armor and a golden crown, with a fierce countenance and a thick beard like steel needles covering his cheeks. His cheekbones and forehead jutted prominently forward above deeply sunken eyes; even without anger, his expression commanded awe. Even in casual conversation, the South Sea Dragon Ancestor stood with his hands lowered, his entire body enveloped in golden light, radiating extraordinary divine majesty.
After hearing Meng Zhang's answer, the old dragon nodded in satisfaction and praised him:
"You handled this matter very well."
He paused, then asked:
"Have you ascertained that the mortal who ruined our plans really was smashed to pieces in the end?"
At his father's question, a trace of embarrassment flickered across Meng Zhang's face. Not daring to conceal anything, he reported truthfully:
"He did not die on the spot. According to Long Ling, after Hall Master Zhang ate two Giant Yang Flowers, he charged headlong out of the Jade Mushroom Garden and fled to who knows where. It seems the youth practiced some peculiar magic that kept his body from immediately bursting apart."
Glancing at